The Latest on Toy-Related Injuries and Holiday Safety Tips

During the holiday season, many people purchase toys for their children or young loved ones. But let's not forget to play it safe with those toys and to keep the little ones happy and out of harm's way.

A recent report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) emphasizes the importance of safety in purchasing and using children's toys, even for older kids. According to the CPSC's Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries report, there were 11 fatalities and approximately 145,500 emergency department-treated injuries in 2022 linked to toys designed for children aged 12 and under.

The majority of the reported 11 deaths were linked to choking or asphyxiation resulting from small parts, balls, or balloons. Non-motorized scooters accounted for the largest share of emergency department-treated injuries, totaling 35,400 across all age groups. They represented one in every five toy-related injuries among children aged 14 and under.

When it comes to child safety, @lovee.miss.lauren, a TikToker known as "Lauren the Mortician," has gained popularity for highlighting potential hazards associated with certain toys. In one of her videos, she lists items that are off-limits in her own home due to risks she has observed during her time as a funeral director. Some of these items include water beads, items with strings, teething necklaces, fidget spinners, and toys with magnets.

If you're looking for toys, don't just go for what's cool. It's also best to think about safety, especially when you're browsing online shops. For online product purchases, the CPSC provides valuable recommendations to ensure a safe shopping experience.

Firstly, be mindful of the source from which you are buying, whether directly from a manufacturer, through a retailer, or a third-party seller. Check the "sold by" information on online marketplaces to make informed decisions.

Thoroughly read product descriptions, especially when shopping for children. Additionally, look for safety information in drop-down menus or at the bottom of the listing. Customer reviews can provide insights into other consumers' experiences with the product.

When purchasing toys, look for a certification mark from independent testing organizations on the manufacturer's label. This provides an additional layer of assurance regarding the safety of the product.

If considering second-hand products from an online marketplace, check for recalls before finalizing the purchase. The CPSC's website, CPSC.gov/recalls, is a convenient resource for this purpose.

Exercise caution if a deal appears too good to be true, as exceptionally low prices may signal potential safety risks or a lack of authenticity.

Take a look at the full report here.

Physical gifts can be cool for a moment, but the memories they create are what truly last a lifetime. This holiday season, why not do your friends and family a favor by skipping the usual physical presents? Maybe consider giving a unique Christmas experience instead?

An experiential gift is just as thoughtful as something you can hold in your hand. The difference is that it won't end up gathering dust, getting re-gifted, or donated. That's because experiences, whether it's a subscription, an activity, or a class, let people give people memories. Whether the giftee does it on their own, with their family, or even with you, it offers opportunities for learning and exploration.

If you're searching for an exciting experience for adults or children, ther are lots of choices. You could start with something as simple as covering the dinner tab for a couple. Another option is going big by planning a fantastic trip as the ultimate gift for your spouse. For kids and teens, they can dive into fun activities. These can be learning to play an instrument or mastering the art of making their favorite dessert.

Another advantage of opting for experiential gifts is that they make ideal last-minute presents. They can be conveniently purchased online. And if all else fails, a gift card is always an option.

Let's face it: most of the stuff we buy just because we like it or think we need it tends to fade into the background pretty quickly. This is especially true when they're given as gifts. We've all had those times when we eagerly tore into a physical gift at Christmas or a birthday, only to realize it didn't quite live up to the hype. It's even worse when you know that time and money were spent on something you're not too thrilled about.

Experiences can enrich our lives, contributing to personal growth and opening our minds to new horizons. Meanwhile, dust collectors, especially the ones from distant relatives, don't quite measure up. You know that feeling, right? It's like saying, "Thanks, Aunt Rose, but I could've done without that Christmas scarf and hand lotion from the buy-one-get-one special at the mall."

So, when the holiday season or other celebrations roll around, and you're stuck with gift-buying, consider giving experiences instead of physical items. To help you get started, here are some experiential gifts that would make great Christmas gifts.

Gifting an annual membership to a zoo, museum, aquarium, or perhaps, for those aged 21 and above, a wine club or mug club membership can make for a wonderful holiday gift. It's a simple and thoughtful gesture that can benefit almost everyone this season. Offering your friends or family several months or a full year at a location they cherish is an excellent method to provide them with extra savings and a valuable present they can enjoy throughout the year.

Offer the gift of a year-long adventure with the America the Beautiful Annual Pass. This pass grants free entry to all 115 National Parks with entrance fees, along with over 3,000 other federal lands. The pass includes the pass holder and up to three accompanying adults (aged 16 and above), with free admission for children under 15. Similar passes are available at various state parks, city and county parks, as well as botanical gardens nationwide, either for online purchase or directly on-site. It's a thoughtful present for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

Imagine the excitement of receiving a personalized video message from your beloved celebrity, something you can hold onto for a lifetime. Cameo provides a platform where you can hire celebrities and athletes to create personalized videos, making them memorable gifts. The pricing for Cameo videos is set individually by thousands of actors, artists, and influencers and can range from as low as $1 to as high as $15,000 for personal videos, depending on the celebrity's status and demand.

It's reassuring to know that you're offering your loved ones something they can personally choose and appreciate. Movie gift cards are a great option as they usually have no expiration date and can be used to buy movie tickets and concessions at the specific theater or theaters from which they are purchased. The recipient can use it for any movie they desire, without having to dip into their own funds.

Consider giving tickets to a theme park amusement park as one of the most enjoyable experiential gifts. When presenting tickets as a gift, there's room for creativity in how you package the gift, whether in a sizable wrapped box or as part of a unique scavenger hunt.

There are plenty of enjoyable indoor activities to explore, including options like indoor rock climbing, trampoline centers, indoor skydiving, game centers, arcades, and escape rooms. A gift of this kind can be especially convenient for those times when you're looking for indoor entertainment, especially during bad weather.

Concert or show tickets are a great gift choice. They provide a one-of-a-kind experience and make for a thoughtful way to celebrate your best friend and their interests. Even if they've seen the band before, each performance is unique and memorable.

If you have a sports enthusiast in your circle, giving them tickets to a baseball game is a thoughtful gesture to express your care. It's also an excellent means of enjoying quality time together while rooting for your favorite team. To make the experience even better, you can go the extra mile by including a food voucher along with the tickets.

Offer the perfect gift of relaxation and beauty, whether it's a spa day, a massage, a facial, or a visit to the salon for hair styling, a wash, or a manicure and pedicure. Depending on the recipient, this could be something you can enjoy together. It's an opportunity to unwind and connect, spending quality time together, catching up on life, sharing some laughter, and reminiscing about the past.

Lessons in various experiences, such as cooking classes, dance lessons, or sewing lessons, can be beneficial to many. This kind of gift is well-suited for people who enjoy learning and trying out new experiences. By gifting classes or lessons, you provide someone with an additional means of self-expression.